All You Have to Do Is Call

By: Kerri Maher

Narrated by: Lauryn Allman

“[A] powerful, thought-provoking novel… not only important and timely, but deeply humanizing.” —Good Morning America

“Remarkable.” —The Washington Post

“Powerful. Dramatic. Insightful…. It’s not only a timely novel, but storytelling at its finest – a must-read.” —NPR

An NPR Books We Love selection for 2023

A gripping and uplifting novel based on the true story of the Jane Collective and the brave women who worked in the shadows for our right to choose, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller.

Chicago, early 1970s. Who does a woman call when she needs help? Jane.

The best-known secret in the city, Jane is an underground health clinic composed entirely of women helping women, empowering them to embrace their futures by offering reproductive counseling and safe, illegal abortions. Veronica, Jane’s founder, prides herself on the services she has provided to thousands of women, yet the price of others’ freedom is that she leads a double life. When she’s not at Jane, Veronica plays the role of a conventional housewife—a juggling act that becomes even more difficult during her own high-risk pregnancy.

Two more women in Veronica’s neighborhood are grappling with similar disconnects. Margaret, a young professor at the University of Chicago, secretly volunteers at Jane as she falls in love with a man whose attitude toward his ex-wife increasingly disturbs her. Patty, who’s long been content as a devoted wife and mother, has begun to sense that something essential is missing from her life. When her runaway younger sister, Eliza, shows up unexpectedly, Patty must come to terms with what it really means to love and support a sister.

In this historic moment, when the personal was nothing if not political, Veronica, Margaret, and Patty risk it all to help mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. With an awe-inspiring story and appealing characters, All You Have to Do Is Call celebrates the power of women coming together in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

©2023 Kerri Maher (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Kerri Maher’s masterful research and powerful writing sheds light on the intrepid women who put everything on the line for their efforts with the Jane Collective. All You Have to Do is Call is inspiring and timely and an absolute must read.”
—Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Librarian Spy

"A work of historical fiction has never been as timely or relevant as Kerri Maher’s All You Have to Do is Call. Her meticulous research brings 1970s Chicago to life and reminds us of how far we’ve come and what’s at stake for us now.” —Renée Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl

"With beautiful writing and a brisk pace, this is Maher's best book to date!" —Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Strangers in the Night

Very interesting given the Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court.

An important read. Topic is on highly relevant to young women in today’s political environment

Good book but..

I loved so much about this book. The characters and the historical elements especially. So thankful for all of the brave women who fought so hard for reproductive rights.

My complaint about this book was mostly the pacing. There were long portions that didn’t seem to have much plot development. Would have loved a quicker pace.

History Repeats

As I read this in 2023, Roe vs Wade has been overturned. Women’s rights have gone backwards. When will it be a women’s right to have autonomy over her own body as men with there’s. This book points out where we’ve been & now right back. Sad!

Engrossing and Emotive

A wonderful listen. Tackling the ever-contentious topic of abortion, this book does it from a historical point of view, based on the true story of the Jane Collective, with a sensitivity I admired. I loved all of the characters, and I especially enjoyed how the topic of abortion was explored from all of their viewpoints, and those of their families. A great exploration of female friendships, and the way the courage of a few can change history.

wonderful story

This book is so good and necessary for the current political climate. It illustrates what women fought so hard for in the 70’s and how we need to fight to retain safe and legal women’s reproductive services

Could Not Put Down!

This well imagined page turner had me engrossed. I’m glad I got the chance to see what the pre-Roe world might have been like, for we have returned to it. A terrifying thought, but I’ll never, ever discount women. We are
Resilient, and all the James and their friends, all the authentically painted women in this book, with their own cares and ideals, reminded me of that. Well Done!! Definitely a must read.

An inspiring and important read

Everyone would benefit from listening/reading this book. Don’t skip the authors note at the end!

We still have to fight for women's rights

thank you for writing this book and reminding us how hard women fought for women's reproductive rights,50 years ago, and how we have to start the fight all over again.

Pathetically outdated view of important, current topic.

Some of the characters were portrayed as bubbleheads who could not think for themselves. Shame on me for not digging further into reader reviews to realize this important topic, women’s rights to have abortions, and to be independent and self determining beings. Perhaps this was written in the 1960’s. I should have checked!